4 top Air Purifier Acronyms & Terms – Purifier Space

Looking for an air purifier but don’t know about the top Air Purifier Acronyms & Terms. Here we have explained top Air Purifier Acronyms & Terms and reviewed the best HEPA air purifiers so get the one that suits your requirements.

If you’re in the market and looking for an air purifier, it can be daunting to wade through all the different acronyms and terms thrown around. Though you may not have heard of these terms before, there are dozens of different things that people talk about when they talk about air purifiers, and knowing what they mean will help you make your decision with confidence. We’ll demystify some of the most common air purifier terms so that you can make an informed purchase. Here’s your guide to getting the scoop on top air purifier acronyms & terms!

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Top Air Purifier Acronyms & Terms

Know these terms for better understanding.

Purifier vs. Filter

You may have seen the terms air purifier and air filter used interchangeably, but there is a big difference between the two. An air purifier uses various technologies to remove contaminants from the air, while an air filter only traps particles as they pass through. So, if you’re looking for something to clean the air in your home, an air purifier is what you need. Here are some common acronyms and terms you’ll see when shopping for an air purifier

Particle Size: PM10 vs. PM2.5

Most people are familiar with PM10, particles measuring 10 microns or less in diameter. But did you know there’s a smaller, more dangerous particle called PM2.5? These tiny particles are 2.5 microns or less in diameter and can penetrate deep into your lungs. That’s why choosing an air purifier that can remove both PM10 and PM2.5 particles from the air is important.

Measurement Units: Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM) vs. Cubic Meters Per Hour (CMH)

CFM is a unit of measurement that tells you the air volume an air purifier can move in one minute. CMH is a unit of measurement that tells you the air volume an air purifier can move in one hour. CFM is a more common unit of measurement, and it’s usually what’s listed on an air purifier’s specs. However, CMH is sometimes used instead because it’s a metric unit.

Filters, Frequency, Nameplates: What’s It All Mean?

Let’s break down some of the most common ones so you can make an informed decision about which air purifier is right for you. 

1) The filter:  This is one of the most important parts of your purifier because it catches particles like dust, allergens, and pet dander before they get into your lungs. 

2) The frequency: This refers to how often your purifier will automatically change speeds or modes to remove allergens as different types of activity create them (e.g., cooking). A higher frequency means more frequent changes; a lower frequency means less frequent changes. 

3) Nameplates: These are usually located near the top of your unit and provide information such as what type of filter you have installed, whether the unit is sealed to prevent leaks, when it was last serviced, etc. With all these factors considered, now you know what to look for when shopping around!

CARD and CFM

CARD stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate, and CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. Both of these acronyms are important when shopping for an air purifier. CARD measures the amount of clean air an air purifier can deliver in one minute, and CFM measures the unit’s airflow. Higher numbers for both CARD and CFM mean better performance.

HEPA

High-Efficiency Particulate Air purifiers are designed to remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns or larger from the air that passes through them. The 0.3 microns refers to the size of the particle; smaller units like microns and nanometers are used to measure tiny things like viruses.

DB and dBA

DB, or decibels, is a unit of measurement for sound. The higher the dB rating, the louder the noise. dBA, or A-weighted decibels, is an adjusted version of dB that takes human hearing into account. It’s used to measure noise levels above and below human hearing frequencies. HVAC (three sentences): Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) is a system that controls the temperature, humidity, and air quality in a space.

Ionizer and Ozone

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to two different types of air purifiers. An ionizer emits negative ions into the air, which attach to positively charged particles like dust and pollen. This makes the particles heavier, so they fall to the ground instead of floating around in the air. Ozone generators release ozone, a gas that reacts with odors and contaminants in the air to neutralize them.

VOCs

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. At room temperature, many VOCs are invisible and have no odor. However, some VOCs can be smelled at very low levels. 

The EPA has established an Air Quality Index (AQI) to help you understand what levels of air pollution are considered safe. They can cause short- and long-term health effects at high levels, like headaches, dizziness, and cancer. That’s why it’s important to choose an air purifier that can remove them from your indoor air.

UVC 

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a disinfection method that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA, leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions. UVGI is used in various applications, such as food, air, and water purification. 

CADR 

The CADR is a measure of an air purifier’s ability to clean the air of specific contaminants. The higher the CADR, the more effective the unit will be at removing particulates from the air. The three main types of CADR are smoke, dust, and pollen. The smoke CADR is based on how much cigarette smoke it can remove about its size and weight. The dust CADR is determined by how well it removes particles larger than 0.3 microns. 

Pollen CADRs refers to how well they remove airborne allergens that are 10 microns or less in diameter. A true HEPA filter will have a CADR of at least 100. Allergies may be caused by bacteria, viruses, molds, fungi, pet dander, mold spores, and pollen.

IAQ, PI, and AHAM 

IAQ stands for Indoor Air Quality. It measures how much contaminants are in the air inside your home. The higher the IAQ, the more contaminants there are in the air. PI stands for Pollutant Index and is the average concentration of particulate matter in micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3).

AHAM is an acronym that stands for Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. AHAM researches and provides resources to help consumers find products that best meet their needs and preferences. Their website includes a guide that shows what you should know before buying an air purifier.

They also provide information about specific filters and devices and links to buy them online or from local retailers. One helpful feature they have is a filter locator tool that lets you input the size of your room or square footage, and it will show you which filters fit your unit size.

Allergens

Airborne allergens are tiny particles from sources like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. These particles are so small that they can float through the air and enter your nose and lungs. Once they’re in your body, they can cause an allergic reaction.

The good news is that there are many ways to reduce your exposure to allergens, including using an air purifier. HEPA filters capture a lot of allergens, while UV lights and ionizers remove them as well. 

Other great features of high-quality air purifiers include pre-filters that collect large debris before it enters the machine’s filter. It’s also important to remember that not all contaminants are allergens – smoke, odors, fumes, or chemicals could be aggravating triggers for other types of reactions or health problems like asthma or headaches.

Activated Carbon

When used in an air purifier, activated carbon filters can remove certain contaminants from the air, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), smoke particles, and odors. 

Adsorption occurs when a chemical or compound attaches to and mixes with another substance; similarly, adsorptive material removes specific contaminants from an air source by attracting them to its surface. 

Activated charcoal is a popular example of adsorptive material. It’s made from coconut shells or other types of wood heated at high temperatures to increase its surface area and make room for more binding sites for chemicals, gases, or other substances it attracts when placed in contact with them. 

Types of activated carbon filters

There are three types of activated carbon filters: granular activated carbon (GAC), solid block carbon (SBC), and catalytic carbon. 

GAC filters are made of small, porous pieces of carbon that adsorb contaminants as water passes through them. 

SBC filters are made of a large block of carbon that provides a higher surface area for adsorption than GAC filters. 

Catalytic carbon filters use a chemical reaction to break down contaminants rather than adsorption. They are more effective in removing certain chemicals like formaldehyde. The downside is that they can only be used once before they need replacing. 

A common misconception about catalytic carbon filters is that they will not filter out any gasses or odors because they do not filter out particles from the air. In reality, catalytic carbon filters remove gasses and odors from the air; however, their effectiveness varies depending on what you try to eliminate. If you want your filter to reduce your home’s risk of fire or smoke hazards, you should consider an SBC filter.

MCS

Do you know what MCS is? If you don’t, you’re not alone. Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a relatively new condition that is not yet well-understood. Here’s what we do know: MCS is a condition in which people experience adverse health effects from exposure to low levels of chemicals. These chemicals can be found in everyday products like cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and even scented candles. 

The most common symptom for those with MCS is an intolerance to strong smells. An MCS sufferer may feel nauseous or have headaches when exposed to strong odors, perfumes, or detergents. Some people with MCS also suffer from fatigue, dizziness, depression, and anxiety. Using an air purifier can save you from MCS.

Our Top 3 Pick

Best HEPA Air Purifiers for a Clean and Healthy Home

The air in your home needs to be clean, whether you have pets or not. Dirt and allergens can affect everyone in the household, and they can be especially hard on young children who are more susceptible to illness and development issues than adults. A HEPA air purifier can greatly reduce the amount of dust and other pollutants in your home’s air, which will improve your health and keep your house looking better longer. By reading this guide, make sure you buy the best HEPA air purifier for your needs!

Best-rated HEPA air purifier

If you’re looking for the best HEPA air purifier to remove allergens, dust, and other pollutants from your home, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up the best options on the market, so you can breathe easy knowing your home is clean and healthy. 

1. Coway Airmega 250 Smart Air Purifier

The Coway Airmega 250 Smart Air Purifier covers 930 sq. ft. and has an air quality sensor that allows it to detect when levels of specific contaminants are too high to prompt the unit into action. It also features two types of filters: a carbon filter that removes unpleasant odors; and an electrostatic particle filter that attracts small particles like smoke, pet dander, mold spores, pollen, and even some bacteria from the air in your home. 

It also includes a timer function that automatically turns off the unit after a set period. Additional features include airflow control and automatic filter replacement reminder alerts.

The True HEPA Air Purifier is another great option if you’re looking for something capable of removing all kinds of airborne irritants from your living space. With three-speed settings, this unit can be used to handle large rooms or smaller spaces like bedrooms or offices without breaking a sweat. 

Best house air purifier

A clean and healthy home is important for you and your family’s health. According to the EPA, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. And we spend much time indoors, so it’s important to ensure the air inside our homes is as clean as possible.

2. Coway Airmega 150(K) True HEPA Air Purifier

This is one of the best air purifiers on the market. It’s great for large rooms and can clean the air two times per hour. The Coway Airmega Max2 filter captures and reduces 99.99% of 0.01-micron particles in the air, including pollen, pollutants, and other allergens. It also has a pollution sensor that communicates indoor air quality in real time, so you know when the air needs to be purified. The brightly colored LED bar tells you how clean or dirty your indoor air is every minute of the day. 

The Coway Airmega 250 has six fan modes: Smart, Sleep, Low, Medium, High, and Rapid. The smart mode automatically adjusts fan speed based on the room’s air quality and lighting conditions to improve air quality. There are 1, 4, and 8-hour timers and indicators for a lifetime of washable pre-filter and Max2 filter. 

The Coway Airmega is an energy-efficient air purifier with a three-setting smart mode that adapts to its surroundings by changing fan speed based on the room’s air quality and lighting conditions. When in need of fresh air, it automatically goes into the rapid mode, circulating the cleaner until it deems it has been sufficiently cleaned. With a timer that can be set for up to eight hours and indicators for both filters’ lifetimes (washable pre-filter and Max2 filter), this is an excellent choice for those looking for an all-around solid machine! 

Best small HEPA air purifier

When choosing an air purifier, you want one that will suit your needs and fit your budget. A small HEPA air purifier is a great option for those looking to improve the air quality in the home without breaking the bank. Here are the best small HEPA air purifiers on the market

3. SAMSUNG BESPOKE Cube Air Purifier

The Samsung BESPOKE Cube air purifier is one of the best air purifiers on the market. It features a HEPA filter that traps dust and eliminates odors and a smart control system that allows you to customize the purification settings to your specific needs. The 360-degree purification ensures that every corner of your home is clean and healthy, and the pet mode is perfect for homes with furry friends. You can also use the App to purchase replacement filters when needed. 

The Cube’s purification system is not even a little bit noisier than a whisper and releases clean air without annoying noise or a cold draft, unlike many other models on the market today. You’ll get enhanced HEPA filtration with this model, plus the added convenience of being able to check and manage your purification settings and filters through the SmartThings app. 

Plus, if you need replacement filters at any time, they are easy to buy through the App too! So whether you want more information about the benefits of HEPA filters or want to find out how much money this filter will save you over 10 years. BESPOKE Cube is stylishly designed to suit your decor and lifestyle. You can easily change colors and patterns for a different look by switching up the front panels.

Best single room air purifier

A single-room air purifier is a great way to improve the air quality in your home. These units are designed to remove allergens, dust, and other pollutants from the air, making it easier for you to breathe. There are many different types of single-room air purifiers on the market, so it is important to do your research before purchasing one. The following are some of the best single-room air purifiers on the market.

4. Acekool Desk Air Purifier

A clean and healthy home starts with the right air purifier. The Desk Air Purifier for Office Bedroom is a compact air cleaner with a three-layer H13 true HEPA filter. This cleaner also features a smart air temperature and humidity display, sleep mode, and filter change reminder. With this purifier, you can enjoy clean and healthy air in your home. Moreover, it won’t take up much space on your desk. It comes in white and black colors to match any style of décor. Compact and lightweight design will not take up too much space. Powered by a USB cable and easy to clean as well.

Frequently asked questions

Sat hey to the answers to your questions.

What do you mean by air purifier ratings?

Air purifier ratings are based on the ability of the device to remove certain airborne particles, like dust, pollen, smoke, and mold spores from the air. The higher the rating, the better, the cleaner will be at doing its job. 

What are some types of top-rated air purifiers?

There are three main types of air purifiers: mechanical filters, activated carbon filters, and ozone generators. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

What does it mean by HEPA 13?

A HEPA air purifier is a device that uses a filter to remove 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or larger from the air passing through it. The 13 in HEPA 13 refers to the fact that the filter has been tested to be able to remove at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size from the air passing through it.

Final remarks

An air purifier is an important appliance to have in any home. Not only do they help remove harmful airborne particles, but they also improve the quality of the air we breathe. A HEPA air purifier is even better, as it can remove 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. If you’re looking for the best HEPA air purifier for your home, check out our list of the top options.

If you’re on the hunt for an air purifier, you may have come across some brand names or acronyms that leave you scratching your head and wondering what they mean. We’re here to help you decode these terms, so you can make an informed decision about which type of air purifier is right for your home and family. Here are some common top air purifier acronyms & terms and their meanings. For more information,